Burlington MA teeth whitening Archives - Lowell Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

My veneers are turning yellow. I have only had them 4 years. This is really weird to me and I am not getting straight answers from the dentist who put them on. Since they started turning yellow I asked him if they are really porcelain. His answer was a fast “of course they are.” I don’t believe it. I know veneers aren’t supposed to stain and I don’t have any habits that would make them stain. I don’t smoke or drink alcohol, coffee, or tea. Nor am I eating anything that would make them stain like this. So now I am down to trying to get the veneers to at least lighten in color a bit. I have tried whitening strips and I bought some Opalescence gel online but there is no change in the color. What kind of teeth whitening will help my veneers? Thanks. Diana

Diana – There is no form of teeth whitening that will brighten your veneers. Porcelain veneers are colorfast. Although you suspect that your veneers are not made of porcelain, the material they are made of isn’t responding to teeth whitening.

You can find out whether or not your veneers are porcelain by visiting an experienced cosmetic dentist. But the dentist won’t be able to change the color. At times, the condition or color of natural teeth beneath the veneers can cause them to look darker. If that’s not true in your case, it is possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist can polish the veneers and make them look better. Otherwise, your solution is to replace them.

Photo of a porcelain veneer, which cannot be whitened, held against a natural tooth for Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek

Porcelain veneers are bonded to your natural teeth. They are colorfast and cannot be whitened.

Quality porcelain veneers can last ten to twenty years or longer. They will remain white if you properly care for them at home, and only have your veneers and teeth cleaned by a dentist and hygienist who have been trained to clean veneers.

Whenever you decide to replace your veneers find a talented, accredited cosmetic dentist to do the work. Accredited cosmetic dentists have received extensive training in aesthetic dentistry (making your teeth look beautiful, not just functional), and they have passed exams and submitted patient cases to demonstrate their expertise. You’ll get the smile you want, and it will last.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Hi. I got a teeth whitening kit from my dentist. I wanted to do things the right way and not get a cheap kit or something that would not work. I can tell that my teeth are getting whiter, but the kit is really hurting my teeth and making them feel like they are being shocked or zinged. Also my gums are burning and turning white. What is this stuff? What should I do now? thank you. – Renae W.

Renae – It is not unusual to experience some sensitivity during teeth bleaching, but what you describe is more intense than usual.

Stop using the teeth whitening kit, and contact your dentist and explain what you are experiencing. You may need a whitening gel that is not as strong. It is possible that the bleaching trays need to be adjusted so that the gel isn’t affecting your gums so much.

Additionally, be certain that you are closely following the instructions on how much bleaching gel to use in each tray and how long you are wearing the trays.

Contact your dentist for additional assistance.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.